Cylinder lock



Aug. 31, 1954 c. G. ABERNATHY CYLINDER LOCK 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 8, 1950 INVENTOR.

Patented Aug. 31, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CYLINDER LOCK Clyde G. Abernatly, Rochester, N. Y.

Application August 8, 1950, Serial No. 178,281

6 Claims.

This invention relates to locks and particularly to pin tumbler cylinder locks such as are intended for use with automobiles and other types of vehicles and in looking switches, Valves and machinery of various kinds.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and durable lock of the character described in which the insertion of a key in the lock aligns tumblers movahle in paths parallel with the key slot to permit rotation of the lock plug.

It is another object of the invention to provide a lock of the character described which is easily assembled and operated and is resistant to operation by picking or by the use of an unauthorized key.

A further object of the invention is to provide a lock of the character described which can, be readily adapted for the actuation of switches, valves, latches and the like without modification of the lock itself.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a lock of the character described in which elements of the lock are securely and rigidly fastened together but are easily separable for changing the combination if desired.

Other objects and advantages of the lock of the present invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is a longitudinal, vertical, sectional View on the line l-l of Fig. 5, with certain of the movng parts therein shown in elevation;

Fig. 2 is a reduced sectional View similar to Fig. 1 but taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 3 and showing the key in place in the lock;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the lock shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary secticnal View on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a transverse, sectional View on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1 with the heads of the tumbler pins in elevation;

Fig. 6 is a transverse, sectional View on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is an end elevational View of the assembled lock taken substantially on the line 1-1 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 8 is an end View of the key shown in Fig. 2.

The lock of the present invention comprises a cylinder I l in which there are mounted a rotatable plug |2 and a fixed plug !3. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the cylinder ll is provided at its outer end with an inwardly projecting annular fiange !6 which is increased in thickness adjacent the tatable plug [2 is generally cylindrical in shape and has formed therein four longitudinal bores 21, 22, 23, and 24, each of which is located in close proximity to one diametric plane of the plug. At the end of the rotatable plug 12 which is adjacent the fiange 16 of the cylinder H there is provided a closure plate 26 of slightly less diameterthan the plug. The plate 26 has a reduced, centrally located boss 21 on the outer face thereof which extends outwardly through the orifice 28 in the outer end of the cylinder I l formed by the fiange [5. The closure plate 26 has a key-slot 29 which is aligned with and forms a continuation of a slotlike, longitudinal key-way 3! in the rotatable plug [2. The key-slot 29 divides the boss 21 into a pair of spaced guides 32 that project axially outwardly on each side of the key-slot 29. The closure plate 28 is held against rotary movement with respect to the rotatable plug !2 by a plurality of integral tongues 34 which extend radially therefrom and engage thin, circumferential, axially-extending flanges of the plug 12. The latter, as shown at 36, may be crimped or turned over the bevelled edge of the plate 26 around the circumference thereof to hold the plate rigidly in place on the end of the plug.

Each of the bores 2I, 22, 23 and 24, in the rotatable plug |2 has slidably mounted therein a pin 31, 38, 39 and 40, respectively. At their ends which are adjacent the closure plate 26 the bores 2 I, 22, 23 and 24 are enlarged and each of the pins 31, 38, 39 and 40 is provided with an enlarged, preferably integral head 42 slidably fitting within the enlarged end of its associated bore. Within the enlarged portion of each of the bores 2l, 22, 23, and 24 there is also provided a coiled compression spring 43 which bears against the head 42 of the pin therein. The enlarged heads 42 are thus normally resiliently urged toward the closure plate 26 and into aligned recesses 44 formed in the inner face of the plate.

Extending into each of the respective bores 21, 22, 23 and 24 at its end removed from the closure is a pin 46. The four pins 46 are resiliently mounted in a fixed plug [3, the latter being held in the cylinder ll so as to bear against the rotatable plug |2 and thereby seat the outer face of the closure plate 26 against the internal shoulder l'i in the cylinder. The plug l3 is rigidly secured against rotation with respect to the cylinder ll by the engagement of a plurality of radially-extending integral tongues 48 thereon with the thin circumferential end portion of the cylin- 3 der. The latter, as shown at 49 is crimped or turned over the bevelled shoulder 5! on the exterior of the plug |3 to hold the plug seated on the internal shoulder 41 formed in the cylinder adjaent its inner end.

Each of the pins 46 is mounted in a longitudinal hole in the fixed plug [3, the outer end of each hole being enlarged to form a spring chamber 53. The ends of the pins 46 that project into the bores in the rotatable plug [2 are preferably rounded and each of the pins 46 is provided with an integral, outwardly-projecting, annular flange 56 which provides a bearing surface for a coiled spring 51 mountedin its associated chamber 53. The spring chambers 53 are closed by the springretaining plate 59 of smaller diameter than the stationary plug 13. The plate 59 is held in rigid fixed position with respect to the plug !3 by a pluralty of outwardly-extending, integral tongues 61 that engage between axially-extending, circumferential fianges 62 on the exterior end of the plug which are crimpecl or turned over the edge of the spring-retaining plate 59.

As described above, it will be seen that with the parts in position as shown in Fig. 1, the plug l2 is held against rotary movement within the cylinder H by engagement in the bores 2l, 22, 23 and 24 of the pins 46 yieldably mounted in the stationary axially aligned plug s. The pins 46, may, however, be disengaged by the use of a suitably constructed key 64.

The key 64 is preferably flat and of substantial thickness. As best shown in Fig. 8, in the alternate corners and opposite faces of the key 6 4 are grooves 69, 61, 68 and 69 which in section are arcuate and have the same curvature. The grooves are preferably formed by milling, but they may be ground in the key or the key and grooves may be formed in one operation by stamping. At the inner end of the grooves there are provided fiat shoulders 1 I, 12, 13, and 14, respectively.

As will be seen from the drawings, the bores 21, 22, 23, and 24 are parallel to the axial keyway 31 but slightly out of alignment therewith. They are so disposed with relation to the keyway, however, that the enlarged heads` 42 of each of the pins 31, 38, 39 and 49 extends into the key-way and is adapted to fit into one of the grooves 66, 61, 68 and 69 in the key 64 and to be displaced axially with its associated pin by the corresponding shoulders 1l, 12, 13 and 14 at the ends of the grooves, when the key 64 is pushed into the lock. As shown most clearly in Figs. 1 and 2, the pins 31, 38, 39, 40, when moved axially by the key 64 against the resistance of the springs 43, will contact the pins or drivers 46 in the stationary plug IS and move the drivers 46 axially against the resistance of the springs 51.

The pins 31, 38, 39 and 40 are preferabiy ormed of difierent lengths, the length of each being so chosen that when the key 64 is fully inserted in the key-way 3! in the rotatable plug [2 the inner ends of the -pins 31, 38, 39 and 49 will be coplanar with the flat inner end surface of the plug and the pins or drivers 45 in the fixed plug 13 will be disengaged from the rotatable plug l2. When the tumblers are in this position, the rotatable plug [2 may be turned by turning the key 64.

Rotation of the plug |2 is transmitted externally of. the cylinder l l by a spindle 11. The enlarged and non-circular inner end 18 of the spindle fits within a socket 19 of corresponding shape in the inner end of' the rotatable plug [2 4. and extends axially outwardly from the cylinder l l through the fixed plug !3 and the springretaining plate 59. At its outer end, the spindle 1'1 is provided with a flattened extension 82 which fits within a punched slot 83 in a retaining Washer 84. A rod 95, by which motion of the spindle 11 may be transmitted to any desired point, is provided with a bifuracted fiattened end 86 which is also held in the slot 83 of the Washer 84 in contact with the extension 82 of the spindle 11. It will thus be seen that rotation of the spindle 11 as the key 64 is turned in the lock will produce rotation of the Washer 84 and the rod 85 to actuate a latch, switch or other desired device.

Movement of the rotatable plug |2 within the cylinder ll is made easier by providing in the cylinder a counter-bore which is substantially the length of the plug 12 and also providing the inner end of the rotatable plug with a peripheral fiange 88 of the same diameter as the counterbore. There is thus formed around the plug !2, for the major portion of its length, a clearance space 89 which minimizes friction between the rotatable plug and the cylinder II.

The portion 92 of the key 64 adjacent the bow 65 thereof is wider than the end portion which enters the key-way 3! in the rotatable plug !2. The flange 15 at the outer end of the cylinder ll is therefore provided with a pair of slots 93 which are disposed diametrically of the orifce 28 and permit entrance of the wide portion 92 of the key. The edges of the orifice 28 thus constitute wards and corresponding ward slots 94 are provided in the portion 92 to permit the key 64 to turn in the lock. The wards not only prevent use of a key which is not provided with proper ward slots but also prevent withdrawal of the key 64' except when the key-slot 29 and the key-way 3l .are aligned with the slots 93. A small wire leaf spring 96 is mounted along the inner face of one of the guides 32 so as to project into the key-slot 29 and extend longitudinally thereof. This spring is preferably Secured, as shown in Fig. 4, by providing a 'ecess 98 in the end face of the guide 32 and which receives the reversely bent tail 99 of this spring 96, the body of the spring entering the key slot 29. The spring 96 engages in a longitudinal groove 91 in one of the fiat side faces of the key 64, the tension of the spring preventing the key 64 from being dislodged from the lock by vibration when the ward slots 94 are not engaging the flange !6. The spring 96 also serves as a ward which, in cooperation With the groove 91 in the key 64, insures that the key will be inserted in the proper position.

From the foregoing description the operation and manner of using the lock of' the present invention will be clear. The Construction of the lock is a simple procedure` as is evdent from the foregoing' description. The pins 31, 38, 39 and 46 are assembled with their associated springs 43 in the rotatable plug l2' and Secured' in place therein by the closure plate 26 which is placed in position with its radial tongues 34 engaging the plug l2 and is then'secured in place by turning over the fianges 36. The assembled rotatable plugand closure plate are then inserted in the cylinder H with the boss 21 extendi'ng out through the orifice 28' in the outer end of the cylinder ll. The enlarged' head 18 of the spindle 11 is seated in the socket 19' and the open end of the cylind'er ll is closed` by sli'ding the plug |*3' into place with the spindle extending therethrough. The tongues 48` extending radially from the plug [3 engage the cylinder walls and the fianges on either side of each tongue are turned over as shown at 49.

The pins or drivers M are then placed in position in the fixed plug 43 with their rounded ends extending into the bores 2i, 22, 23 and 24, respectively, of the rotatable plug IZ. After inserting a coi-led compression spring 51 in each of the spring' chambers 53 around the pin 46 therein the spring-retaining plate 59 is placed in position and secured in the same way as the fixed plug !3. This completes the assembly of the lock and it may be installed Where desired in suchmanner that rotation'of the spindle TI produces movement of any desired actuating means.

The lock of the present invention is resistant to opening by unauthorized persons since the pins 31, 38,' 39 and 40 may all be different in length and the corresponding longitudinal grooves 65, 61, 68 and 69 in the key 64 must be of the proper length to move the pins axially to disengage the drivers 46 from the bores in the rotatable plug IZ. If even one of the key grooves is not the right length, the plug cannot be turned since either a pin or a driver will extend across the junction between the plugs !2 and 13.

In initially setting up the combination pins of proper length as determined by the key grooves may be installed or, alternatively, all of the pins may be of the same length when assembled in the rotatable plug. In the latter case after the closure plate 26 has been fixed in place, a key is inserted and pushed fully into the key-slot 3l. The ends of the pins which project beyond the end of the plug !2 may then be cut ofi and ground down fiush with the end of the plug.

If it is desired to change the combination of a lock, the closure plate 26 may be removed and new pins of desired length inserted or the fixed plug l3 may be removed and after inserting a new key having shorter grooves the ends of the original pins may be dressed off to match the key.

Looks embodying the present invention may be constructed of various suitable metals and alloys and the outer cylinder or casing may be made in any desired shape and provided with fianges, threads, etc. for proper mounting in different locations.

It will be understood that various other modifications such, for example, as changes in the shape or relative sizes of parts may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Looks constructed in accordance with the present invention, although simple and using a minimum of parts, are efficient and permit the use of a large number of different key combinations. Their Construction is rugged and adapted for long and hard usage. Assembly is facilitated by the provision of the inter-looking tongues on the closure plate, fixed plug and spring-retaining plate which makes proper alignment of the lock parts certain and obviates the necessity of any adjustment to obtain such alignment.

I claim:

1. In a lock of the character described having a casing, a pair of axially aligned plugs in said casing, one of said plugs being fixed with respect to said casing and the other of said plugs being rotatable with respect to said casing and said fixed plug, and a pin resiliently mounted in said fixed plug for axial movement therein and adapted to engage said rotatable plug, the combination therewith of means for disengaging said pin from said rotatable plug which comprisesan axial key-way in said rotatable plug, a longitudinal bore in said rotatable plug adjacent to said key-way and aligned with said pin, a second pin slidably mounted in said bore and having a portion thereof adapted tobe engaged 'by a key in said key- Way to cause axial movement of said first pin, and resilient means urging said second pin away from said first pin. i v

2. In a lock of the character described havin a casing, a pair of axially aligned plugs in said casing, one of said plugs being fixed with respect to said casing and the other of said plugs being rotatable with respect to said casing and said fixed plug, and having a plurality of spaced lon.- gitudinal bores therethrough, and a plurality of drivers resiliently mounted in said fixed plug for axial movement therein, each of said drivers being adapted to engage in one of said longitudinal bores, the combination therewith of means for disengaging said drivers from said bores which comprises an axial, slot-like key-way in said rotatable plug parallel to said bores but at least partially out 'of alignment therewith,.a plurality of pins, one of said pins being slidably mounted in each of said bores, each of said pins having a head, of greater diameter than the remaining portion of said pin, on the outer end only thereof, said heads extending into said key-way and adapted to be engaged by a key in said key-way to move said pins axially to disengage said 'drivers from said bores. 3. In a lock of the character described having a casing, a pair of axially aligned plugs in said casing, one of said plugs being fixed with respect to said casing and the other of said plugs being rotatable with respect to said casing and said fixed plug, and having a plurality of spaced longitudinal bores therethrough, and a; plurality of drivers resiliently mounted in said fixed plug for axial movement therein, each of said drivers being adapted to engage in one of said longitudinal bores, the combination therewith of means for disengaging said drivers from said bores which comprises an axial, slot-like key-way in said rotatable plug parallel to said bores but at least partially out of alignment therewith, a plurality of pins, one of said pins being slidably mounted in each of said bores, means carried by each of said pins extending into said key-way adapted to be engaged by a key in said key-way to move said pins axially to disengage said drivers from said bores, and resilient means associated with each of said pins for urging said pins axially away from said drivers.

4. A lock of the character described having a casing, a pair of axially aligned plugs in said casing, one of said plugs being fixed with respect to said casing and having a bore therethrough parallel to the axis of said plug, the other of said plugs having a bore therethrough parallel to the axis of said plug and being rotatable with respect to said casing and said fixed plug, a first pin slidably mounted in the bore of said fixed plug and adapted to enter the bore of said rotatable plug when aligned therewith, resilient means urging said pin toward said rotatable plug, means within said fixed plug limiting the movement of said first pin into said rotatable plug, a second pin slidably mounted in the bore of said rotatable plug, a key-way in said rotatable plug, said second pin being at least partially out of alignment with said key- Way and having an enlarged head thereon adapt-.

ed' tobe engaged by a key in said key-way to move said first pin from the' bore of said rotatable plug, and resilient means acting on said second'pin' to move said second: pinaway from said first pin.

5. A lock of the character described having a casing, a pair of axially aiigned plaga in said casing, one of saidpiugs being. fixed' with respect to said casing. and having a plurality' oi spaccd bores therethrough parallel to the* axis of said plug, the other' of said plugs having a pli'ralty oi spaced bores therethrough parallel to the axis of said' plug and being rotatable with respect to said casing and said' fixed plug, a plur'ality of drivers, each of said' drivers being slidably mounted in one of. the bores of said fixed plug andi being adapted to enter' one of the bores of said rotatable plug when a-ligned therewith, resiient means associated with: each of said drvers urging said drivers toward said rotatable plug, means within said'` fixed plug limiting the movement of said' drivers into' said rotatable plug, a plurality of pins, each of said pins being slidably mounted in one of the boi-es of said r'otatable plug, a key-Way in said rotatable plug, said' pins being at least partially out of alignment with said key-way and each having an enlarged' head thereon adapted to be eng'aged by a key in said key-way' tomove said drivers from` the bors of said rotatable plug, and resilient means acting on said" pins to move said pins' away from said drivers;

6-. A lock of the character described having a casing, a rotatable plug in said casing, a key-way in said plug, a key for said lock fitting and adapted to enter said key-way and having a longitudinal groove in one side thereof, a leaf spring Secured in saidplug and having its body and free end in said key w'ay and arranged to enter said groove thereby to retain said key in said key-way against dislodgement by vibration;

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED' STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 522430 Ridgway July 3, 1894 1,036`fl64 Wilson Aug. 27, 1912 1,092'223 Muller Apr. '7, 1916 1,173,677 Muller Feb. 29', 1916 1,6221732 Nelson Mar. 29, 1927 2,292',515 George Aug. 1`1, 1942 2378976 Brooks June 26, 19 2,395,762 Rober Feb. 26, 1946 FOREIG'N PATENTS Number I Country Date 18,965 Netherlands i Nov. 15, 1928 504,4'73' France Apr. 5, 1920 525147 Germany May 20, 1931 540968 France i Apr. 11, 1922 937393 France i Mar'. 8, 1948 

